Does it really take courage to be curious? I believe it does. Here’s why.

Curiosity is defined as the desire to learn, explore, or understand something new. It’s a strong motivation to seek out information, experiences, or answers to questions—often driven by a sense of wonder, interest, or the urge to resolve uncertainty.

When we are curious, we question the status quo. Who was the black sheep of their family? I was. I constantly questioned everything my father did and my mother said. I identify with Susan Sarandon, who once shared that the nuns told her she had a little too much original sin—because she questioned everything they told her.

I am a questioner, and that makes me highly curious. I was often not taken seriously because I was always exploring new belief systems. I left my Catholic roots and spent several years not believing in any organized religion, choosing instead to explore life in all its forms and peoples.

One of my favorite aspects of being an actress was the opportunity to explore how someone so different from myself—with experiences I had never known—might think and feel. I loved walking in another person’s shoes.

I was often ostracized and punished for being curious, for questioning. But what I now know is that it took courage. That’s why the title of this blog and talk is “The Courage to Be Curious.”

Why does it take courage to be curious? Perhaps not for everyone. But for those of us who question everything, we often find ourselves living in the unknown much of the time.

Have you ever questioned who or what God really is? That was probably my first big step away from the safe waters of my Catholic upbringing. Yet, if I hadn’t taken that leap, I would never have discovered a new understanding of God—a personal and loving God.

If you think about it, all the great discoveries, new religious movements, and political upheavals that have moved humanity forward were sparked by people who had the courage to leave the safety of what they knew—what their elders taught them—and venture into the unknown.

I’m reminded of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. Would this monumental journey ever have happened without the curiosity to move beyond the safety of the known, even though that known was slavery?

I also think of how baby elephants are trained. Maybe not currently, but in the past, trainers would attach one leg to a peg in the ground so they cannot move. Eventually, the elephants grow large enough to break free, but they don’t—because they have been conditioned to believe they are stuck. What are my limiting beliefs that are keeping me stuck. Am I curious enough to challenge them?

Being curious is the Divine Urge within us that seeks expansion and a greater, unlimited way of living. Unless I can question everything, even the things I hold most dear, I might miss something truly spectacular.

There’s a concept called liminal space—the in-between place where we’ve left what we know but have not yet stepped into what’s coming. I believe that when people pass from this plane to the next, they move through such a space. But why wait for that final transition? Why not embrace the unknown now? Can we stay in the mystery for just a minute and release what we think we should be—or who we assume others to be?

Can we be DNA breakers—ready to leap into our next evolutionary step? Can we dare to ask, “What if?” I want to ask that question now.

At a recent concert with us, Gary Lynn Floyd sang a song called “I Wouldn’t Be Surprised.” That song captured what it feels like to think outside the box.

What if illness is an illusion?
What if death doesn’t really exist?
What if we are already fully evolved and know everything we need to know?
What if?

You might wonder—what’s the point of all this questioning?
But for me, the real question is—what’s the point of staying stuck in old patterns and ways of thinking? Stagnation hasn’t lifted us out of the challenges we face today.
I’m being called to become even more curious—about myself, my capabilities, and my thinking.

When we founded this Center, we wrote our “Why.” Let’s revisit it now and see if it still rings true. I believe it does. In fact, it’s why we began this journey together.

Why Does the Center for Spiritual Living, Kaua’i Exist?

Because…
We believe that humanity will finally walk the earth as the Spiritual Man that he is.
We believe that all people will one day see each other as equals.
We believe that we will trust the higher Laws of the Universe and live by them.
We believe that Love will guide every thought, word, and action.
We believe that we will fully realize that we are 100% responsible for our experiences—because we are 100% responsible for our reactions to them.
We believe that illness will one day be something we used to experience.
We believe that our first nature will always be kindness.
We believe that we are meant to be happy—no matter what.
We believe that we will feel safe—no matter what—because we will know that a Power backs us, lives through us, and is always in our favor.

We promise to live these beliefs to the best of our ability.
We use Center for Spiritual Living Kaua’i to share these principles with the world.
We serve where we can.
We teach by empowering others.
We see the best in every person we meet.
We find ways to brighten someone’s day, every day.
We listen.
We rest and relax when we need to, and encourage others to do the same.
We provide a space where people feel safe to explore their spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical lives.

By doing these things—and gathering others who share this dream—we believe the tipping point will come.
The spiritual man and the human man will finally realize they are one.

I wouldn’t change a word of this. Except to add:
I will always stay curious about CSL Kaua’i, the Science of Mind teachings, and even be willing to question the things I hold most steadfastly.

With Curiosity, Dr. Rita Andriello-Feren, Author, Co-Founding Spiritual Director CSL Kaua’i, Institute of Magnificence